Should I use heat or ice to treat a wrist injury?
-
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:Within 72 hours of the initial injury to your wrist, always use ice. Heat can actually cause more swelling and a longer recovery if applied too soon after a sudden injury. Heat can be used after the 72 hour period and if there is very little to no swelling present in the wrist.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern University Athletic Training Education Program.)
Within 72 hours of the initial injury to your wrist, always use ice. Heat can actually cause more swelling and a longer recovery if applied too soon after a sudden injury. Heat can be used after the 72 hour period and if there is very little to no... More
